Maluma's love for his hometown of Medellín, Colombia, inspired his foundation, El Arte De Los Sueños. "When I started my career, I wanted to help the people who were helping me, and the people helping me were these kids from the hood — they were listening to my music, they were my fans. But they were also selling drugs, carrying guns," he said. "I always say that music saved my life, saved my family's life. For me, music is everything."
He has a tight-knit group of friends. "I don't really like having new friends," Maluma admitted. "I try to make friends in the industry, but it is very hard. Sometimes I feel like they want to be my friends, but once I show them my back, they stab me. I prefer staying safe with my friends, where I always feel comfortable. When I didn't have any money, they were there for me, inviting me to their house for lunch. They're the ones who were laughing at me, and now they are enjoying my success. That's life — just being grateful for everything that has happened."